It’s officially December, which means holiday parties galore! Add an engagement during the holiday season and this time of year just got *that* much more magical! If it’s your first time hosting a holiday party, you’ll need to know how to handle a seating chart and Sandy Hammer, Co-Founder of AllSeated is here to guide you to a no-stress seating chart this holiday season!

1. Assign tables not seats, for a laid-back feel

For any event with over 20 attendees and a plated dinner, we recommend having some type of seating arrangement. If you’re striving for a laid-back, casual feel we suggest assigning tables – not seats to guests. This will help guarantee that couples will sit together (even if they arrive late) and will help keep guests at ease.

2. Formal Is Fun Too

If you want your holiday party to feel a bit more formal, we suggest assigning guests to a specific table & seat. AllSeated offers you the perfect tools to make this process easy and pain-free.

Simply enter your guests in the guest list section of your AllSeated account. From here, you’ll be able to select the exact sized tables that you’re using from the furniture library and be able to create the most accurate floor plan & seating chart possible.

Pro tip: With AllSeated, you’ll be able to even view this floor plan in 3D!

3. Think About The Kids

Kids-only tables help children feel special and welcome at any party! When you double the ‘kids table’ as an art station – we guarantee that the kids will be entertained all night. We suggest putting a white paper tablecloth down and suggest filling a few tin cans with crayons. Hand kids a themed placemat, which they could color during dinner and take home at the end of the night! You could also add foam stickers for a 3D element!

4. Make Your Rounds as a Couple

Since you’ll be hosting this holiday party as a couple, make it a point to mingle with each of your guest. If you’re having a formal seating chart, consider moving tables for each course. This way you’ll be able to spend time with all of your guests! We also suggest round tables as they help conversation flow between guests!

5. Mingle Your Families Through Seating

Family dynamics can be complicated at holiday parties, so we suggest blending families throughout the seating chart so they have the opportunity to get to know one another and other guests.

If your wedding day is quickly approaching, it may be nice to have your friends and family meet and get to know each other over the holiday season first.

You found THE dress! Now it’s time for alterations because every wedding gown should fit to perfection. This is also your opportunity to make your dress your own! At Kleinfeld, we help our brides throughout the entire wedding gown process and this is what you might expect to feel during your bridal fittings. Yes, we’ve seen it all.

You’ve written your to-do list, checked it twice, and stayed as close as possible to your wedding budget (ahem, close enough). But like any well-prepared bride-to-be there’s bound to be a few things that you haven’t thought of. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Here are 10 things you didn’t know you needed:

1. A day-of checklist

Whether you have a wedding planner or coordinator or not, make it easier on yourself to jot down a few notes. You don’t want to leave your bridesmaids gifts behind and you definitely want to remember to pack an extra pair of panties and/or bra. You never know! Think of this as a list of all the final touches that you’ve worked so hard to pull together and then leave the rest to the professionals.

2. Nail polish

Have some spare polish packed for the bridesmaid who didn’t get her nails done, or in case of a chip. Lots can happen between the rehearsal dinner and the morning of the wedding so having a polish on hand that matches your mani is super smart.

3. Steamer

Most likely your gown is steamed and ready to go, but sometimes the veil needs some steaming and heaven forbid the gal pal who walks in with a crazy wrinkled bridesmaids dress. Find a small portable device that can fit easily into your suitcase. You can even take it along with you on the honeymoon! Unpacking in Italy or Greece will make you happy you were prepared.

4. Portable speakers

Not many people think about the music they’re going to listen to while getting ready in the hotel suite until that morning. Think ahead and have your favorite playlist ready to go. Your bridesmaids will appreciate the thoughtfulness and it makes everyone feel more relaxed — especially during the getting-ready photos!

5. Hairspray

Bring extra. You’ll use it. Hairspray can also act as a substitute static guard if the under layers of your dress suddenly start to stick.

6. Getting ready robes

Colorful matching robes make for great gifts to your bridesmaids. Not only are they likely to wear them again, but coordinated outfits for everyone in the bridal suite while you’re getting ready make for much better photos (your photographer will thank you later, trust us!).

7. Beauty bag

Your makeup artist will create a bridal look to last all day, but touch-ups are inevitable. Many makeup artists will give you a small kit with the products they used, but have a backup bag of powder, lipstick, and blotting papers just in case.

8. Snacks

Stock up on snacks and drinks (mimosa, please!) to keep everyone from getting hungry while getting ready during hair and makeup. Muffins, bagels, or fruit are great brunch items that everyone can enjoy.

9. Emergency kit

Think: Band-Aids, Advil, deodorant, bobby pins, a sewing kit, and super glue. These can definitely ruin or save the day, so be prepared for anything! It’s better to have and not need than to be without.

Veils are the most iconic bridal accessory and have the power to change your whole wedding day look. Not to mention there are so many different types! Below are some of the main veil styles and how to match them to your dress. Which is your favorite? Tell us in a comment below!

Birdcage

Birdcage veils are short veils typically made of netting. They only cover a portion of a bride’s face and fall above the chin. These veils add a vintage vibe, and they pair especially well with short wedding dresses.

Elbow Length

You guessed it: an elbow-length veil falls right around the elbows or just below to the waistline. This kind of veil is flattering with nearly all dress types and is perfect for the bride looking for a fuss-free style.

Tha Mantilla veil frames the face in lace and is typically worn 2 inches from the hairline. They come is a variety of widths and lengths and are definitely statement pieces. Don’t forget to match the lace when choosing your veil.

We’ve got Choos! We’re counting down the days until our final sample sale of the year — December 6th & 7th. This sample sale we’re offering accessories only tickets where you’ll be able to shop these Jimmy Choo shoes below.